Valve



Patented Oct. 3, 1939 UNHTED STATES PATENT OFFICE VALVE.

Application December 17, 1934, Serial No. 757,831

10 Claims.

My invention relates to valves.

It has among its objects to provide an improved air venting valve, and, more particularly, an improved valve adapted to use in connection with radiators or like parts of heating systems. A further object of my invention is to provide a valve of the enclosed or concealed type Which is of an improved construction adapting the same to be positioned within a radiator or the like with its visible portion materially less conspicuous than those of prior valves of that type. A still further object of my invention is to provide such an improved valve having improved means for venting the air in a radiator or heating system, while eliminating spitting and functioning satisfactorily under Widely different conditions, and which is also equally effective in handling both high and low pressures. Another object of my invention is to providev such an improved valve of the iloat type having improved float housing means, improved supporting means, improved vaporizing means, and an improved constructionand arrangement of thev whole structure whereby among other advantages the same may be readily mounted as a unit in a vent valve receiving operture substantially smaller than any of which I am advised. These and other objects and advantages of my construction will, however, more fully appear hereafter.

In the accompanying drawing, I have shown for purposes of illustration several embodiments which my invention may assume in practice.

In this drawing,

Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of a radiator showing my improved valve therein;

Figure 2 is an end view of the radiator shown in Figure 1, various other possible positions of the valve being indicated in dotted lines;

Figure 3 is a full size vertical sectional view of the valve;

Figure 4 is an end view of the valve shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view of a header, partially in section, showing two forms of my improved valve and two dierent positions of the valve;

Figure 6 shows a valve in position in a T pipe section;

Figure 7 is a view showing a further modified use of the valve shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a detail side elevation partially in section showing a further modied form of valve, and

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing an application of the valve Figure 8.

Referring rst to the illustrative construction shown in Figures 1 to 4, it will be noted that I have therein shown my invention applied to use in an ordinary radiator, generally indicated at I, which may be of any usual construction and is provided with a suitable valve aperture 2 in the end thereof wherein my improved valve, hereinafter described, is disposed.

In my improved construction, I provide a valve of the concealed type which is so constructed and arranged that it is adapted to be inserted through or removed from a valve aperture 2 which is not substantially larger than the cross section of the float casing or shell of the valve, the iioat casing being of minimum cross sectional area so as substantially to reduce the size of the aperture required, which materially improves the appearance of the radiator. Herein it will be noted that the valve is in the form of a unit including a shell or cage 3 which houses a iioat 4, and a coupling or holder plug 5 to which the shell 3 is operatively connected through improved connections hereinafter described, the plug 5 being received in aperture 2 and having threaded engagement therewith.

Referring more particularly to the structure of the unit, attention is i'lrst directed to the float and float shell structure. Herein, it will be noted that the shell 3 is of elongated cylindrical shape and provided withthin enclosing side Walls and has a sealed float 4, of usual thermostatic longitudinally expansible construction and containing a volatile mixture, this oat herein being of cylindrical shape and of but slightly less length than the shell 3 and also of but slightly smaller diameter than the shell and, When contracted, reciprocable to a slight extent longitudinally of the shell. This float 4 as usual also carries a valve pin 6 on one end adapted to cooperate with a valve seat 'l carried by the shell 3. Herein, this seat l is formed on ahead 8 suitably attached, as by threading, within one end of the shell 3, the head 8 also being provided with an axial passage 9 leading to the valve seat l and through which the body of the pin 6 extends, while the head 8 also has an axial aperture I0 of smaller cross section communicating with the passage 9 and controlled by the pointed end of the pin 6 as the latter moves relative to the seat 1. It will also be noted that the shell 3 is provided with a float anvil Il struck up in its bottom and forming a seat for the expansible end l2 of the float 4. Moreover, it will be noted that a plurality of holes I3, herein two and of very small diameter, is provided in this end of the shell adjacent the anvil Il. Also at the lower part of the shell 3 and at a level above the anvil I I, a plurality of substantially larger holes I4 is provided in the side Wall, four being illustrated in this construction, although obviously the number and size of the same may be varied. It will also be noted that holes I5 are provided in the shell side wall at the upper part of the shell, two 'of these holes I5 being shown in oppositely 1ocated position. Thus it will be noted that an effective valve structure is provided in which the pin 6 controls the outward flow of air through the small air passage I0 as the float expands and contracts in the shell 3, while the holes or ports I4, I5 provide effective circulation means permitting flow of air to passage I0 and suiiiciently prompt transfer of heat to the float. The holes I3 permit the escape of water from the float shell.

Operatively connected to the head 8 of the valve` described is also improved vaporizing means. Herein these means include a Vaporizer I6 in the form of a tube projecting from the shell 3 and of any suitable metal of high thermal conductivity, such, for example, as copper. Further, it will be noted that this tube is of smaller cross section* than the shell and has its inner end suitably threaded as at I'I on a reduced extension I8 von the head 8* and that the tube extends substantially beyond this extension I8 in such manner as to provide an elongated vaporizing chamber I9 within the tube. As shown, this tube is also curved laterally at its upper end to provide an elbow and has the end of the latter suitably attached to the plug 5. Thus it will be noted that a very effective vaporizing means is provided including the tube I6, which is so disposed and of such character as to form the hottest part of the device and thereby effect the re-evaporation of any condensed fluid which may pass through the passage IIIv into the vaporizing chamber I5.

Referring more particularly to the connections between the vaporizing tube I6 and the plug 5, it will be noted that herein the plug 5 is provided with an aperture 20 in the inner end thereof and with a communicating conical wall 2I forming the end wall of an enlarged communicating opening, 22.` Further, it will be observed that the end ofthe tube I6 is flared or bent into conical form as shown at 23 `and. seated on the end wall 2|, while being pressed against the same by a coupling plug 24'which is` threaded into the opening 22 to provide a releasable swivel connection facilitating installation as hereinafter appears. Moreover, it will be noted that the coupling plug 24 is provided with an axial passage 25, of a cross section substantially smaller than the cross section of the tube I6, providing a Vaporizer exhaust port communicating with the atmosphere. In connection with the coupling plug 24 it will also be noted that the same is provided with a slot 26 extending transversely of the outer end of the same across the port 25, while the plug 5 is provided with a like'but wider slot 2'I at opposite sides of the coupling plug 24. Thus, it will be evident that the two plugs may be adjusted by suitable tools, the plug 5 being connectible to or removable from the aperture 2, While the coupling plug 24 is adapted to be released or tightened to release or tighten the connection of the tube I6 to the plug 5. In a preferred construction these plugs 5 and' 24 are also reversely threaded.

As a result of this construction, it will be noted that while the vaporizer chamber I9 is in communication with the atmosphere through port 25, any water vapor passing into the chamber I9 is further vaporized in that chamber and passes out through port 25 as steam, while any water in the steam is re-evaporated or runs back through port ID. Attention is further directed to the fact that as a result of the vaporizer chamber, spitting through the port 25 is eifectually prevented. The port 25 is so small as to reduce condensation in the chamber I9 and any water, in any event, if not rei-evaporated passes back through the port I and is permitted to escape from the shell 3 through the ports I4. It

will also be observed that any building up of pressure in the shell 3 is effectually prevented by the ports I5 and that the float 4 if acted on by a body of water isthus freely movable with its full buoyancy to cause the valve pin 6 to close the valve seat ,'I.

In the use of my improved construction, it is found that the valve functions effectively in handling both high and low temperatures and pressures and that it is markedly eiective, as compared with other Valves, in handling low temperatures and pressures. This is due particularly tor the enclosing of the float 4 in the shell 3 and the position of both within the radiator unit inv such manner as to be subjected to the internal temperatures instead of external or room temperatures; Due to the insulating effect of the shell, thc actuation of the valve to closed position by the float is retarded until the air has escaped from the radiator, and when this occurs the valve closes promptly. Moreover, due to the improved ports provided in the shell, the float functions readily under all conditions. Further, it is found that the valve is very effective in its vaporizing action, repeated tests under Varying conditions indicating no passage whatever of liquid out through port 25. The port 25 being substantially above the valve seat l, the construction is also Very effective in shutting olf water filled radiators, the valve pin 6 engaging the seat 'I and shutting off the flow before the Water can pass through the exhaustport 25 which is located at a substantially higher level.

As regards installation, the construction also possesses very marked advantages. As will be clear from a consideration of the valve shown full size in Figure 3 and the small diameter of the aperture 2 Vrequired to receive the plug 5, theivalve unit is capable of being inserted, oat shell end rst, in an exceedingly small and inconspicuous aperture. A determining factor for the diameter of the aperture 2 is the external diameter of the shell 3, which shell, by making itof elongated cylindrical shape conforming with slight clearance to an elongated cylindrical float of small diameter, can be brought to a small cross section. In Ythe form shown, the' length of the shell isl somewhat more than twice its width. The diameter of the threaded portion of plug 5 at the summit of the threads is very slightly greater than the diameter of the shell. Preferably the plug is of substantially the saine diameter as the shell. The outer end portion of the plug 5 is unthreaded so as to provide a stop which arrests the plug when it is screwed into its aperture to the desired extent. Further, it will be observed that when the valve is inserted through aperture 2, with the coupling plug 24 slightly backed out,` the float shell 3 and vaporizing tube I 6 areV free to swivel in the plug 5 'so that the valve may be automatically located by gravity in the proper position in the radiator and then fixed in correct positionV by screwing inthe plug 24. Also, it will be evident that, as shown in Figure 2,

the valve, by reason of its small size, is capable ofl being used in any one of many different positions between the'top and bottom of a radiator as may be best suited to obtain effective operation, while also readily inserted in any selected position by a relatively simple boring and threading operation on the radiator. Attention is further directed to the fact that, due to the provision of the oppositely handed threads and the provision of slots on the plugs and 2li respectively, effective means are provided to facilitate installation and prevent damage to the copper vaporizing tube I6 in installing.

In Figure 5, I have illustrated the valve shown in Figures 3 and 4 in position in a header 33 of a type commonly used in factory or other large heating systems. While the valve here is illustrated as applied in a bottom position in the header, it will be evident that it may be used in any desired vertical position best suited to the circumstances, in the same manner as described above in connection with the installation on the ordinary type of radiator.

In Figure 6, I have also illustrated a modied form of construction which may be used in various relations. Here, it will be noted that while the shell 3 and plugs 5 and 25 are of the same construction as heretofore described and also connected by a vaporizer tube I6', the latter is a straight tube, as distinguished from the curved tube shown in Figure 3, so that all of the elements 3, I6', 5 and 2li are disposed coaxially. In this construction it will be evident that the operation will be essentially the same as that previously described, while it will also be evident that the aligned arrangement of the parts will be such as to permit the use of the Valve unit in other relations not adapted to the use of a curved Vaporizer. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the whole unit may be inserted in a pipe radiator structure including a cylindrical lateral extension 3I on a pipe section 32, with the plug 5 threaded as at 33 in the top of the portion 3 I and the shell 3 disposed with its bottom preferably above the main passage 3d through the section 32, as illustrated. In Figure 5, a further illustration of a possible use of the valve shown in Figure 6 is illustrated at the top. It will be evident that the position of the oat and valve may be altered as desired by simply shortening or lengthening the vaporizer tube I6.

In Figure 7 I have illustrated a modified form of installation wherein the valve is installed in a pipe radiator comprising a pipe end 35 connected to heater piping 36, as, for example, in a cellar. The construction of the Valve in this type of installation being essentially that shown in Figure 6, it will be evident that the operation will also be similar, while it will be noted that in both cases the shell 3 is so disposed as not to be affected by passing slugs in the pipes 34 or 36. In both of these constructions it will be evident that, if desired, the inside surfaces of the portions 3I, 35 may be tted to the float shell 3 in such manner as to position the latter securely, while also providing communicating escape means for the pressure and water ports.

In Figures 8 and 9 I have also shown a modied construction which is adapted to use in installations wherein, for some reason, it is impractical or undesirable to use the vaporizer tube, while still desirable to obtain certain advantages of my improved valve and its improved compact construction. In Figure 8, which shows the modified valve by itself, it will be noted that the portion I8 on the shell head is inserted directly into a plug 3I which corresponds to the plug 5 exteriorly but has an axial passage 38 therein corresponding to the port 25 in the coupling plug 24, the coupling'plug 24 being eliminated in this form. In this construction, it will also be noted that the plug 5 and shell are disposed coaxially as in the construction illustrated in Figure 6 and are similarly adapted to be inserted in an aperture, as, for example, in the top of a header, as shown in Figure 5, while the structure will, of course, be rigid due to the direct connection of the shell and plug. In Figure 9, I have shown the structure of Figure 8 threaded in place in an adapter 39 which is in turn threaded at its lower end in a collar 40 on a T section 4I. I-Iere it will also be noted that the float shell 3 extends substantially below the inner end of the adapter and into the passage 42 through the section 4I, the rigid connection afforded by threading the portion I8 directly into the plug 37 being such as to withstand any slugs passing through the passage 52.

As a result of my improved construction, it is made possible not only to produce a float valve of the air vent type, which is adapted to be inserted through an exceedingly small opening, but also to provide a valve readily connected in operative position from the exterior of the radiator. The valve is also exceedingly effective in its operation, particularly at low pressures, due to the improved construction of the oat cage and the location of the cage and float within the radiator, while the disposition of the valve pin relative to the exhaust port makes it especially effective in cutting off a water lled radiator. Further, through the use of my improved vaporizer tube, likewise within the radiator and exposed between the shell 3 and the plug 5 to the fluid in the radiator, wholly new results as regards Vaporization of liquid are obtained, arising from the use of such a tube of high thermal conductivity, and the connection of the same between the valve seat and the exhaust aperture, with the exterior of the tube exposed to the heat within the radiator or heating system. These and other advantages of my improved construction will, however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

While I have in this application specically described Various forms which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that these forms are shown for purposes of illustration, and that the same may be modied and embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a concealed type valve for radiators or the like, a oat controlled valve, a shell for said float, a coupling and a vaporizer tube for vaporizing any fluid passing through the valvek and venting said shell through said coupling and interposed between the end of said shell and said coupling to space the shell from the coupling.

2. In a concealed type valve for radiators or the like, a float controlled valve, a shell for the float thereof, a coupling and a vaporizer tube for vaporizing iluid passing through the valve venting said shell through said coupling and connecting said shell and coupling, said vaporizer tube having one end extending axially of said shell and the other axially of said coupling.

3. In a concealed type Valve for radiators or the like, a float controlled valve, a shell for the oat thereof, a vented coupling of at least the diameter of said shell comprising coaxial threaded members, and a vaporizer tube venting said shelll through said coupling and connecting said shell and coupling and having one end carried by said shell and the other releasably clamped between said threaded members.

4. In a concealed type valve for radiators or the like, a float controlled valve, a shell for the float thereof, a coupling, and a curved vaporizer tube venting said'V shell through said coupling and controlled by said valve and connected to said shell at one end and to said coupling at the other.

5. In a concealed type valve for radiators or the like, a float controlled valve, a shell for the float thereof, a coupling of substantially the diameter of said shell, and a vaporizer tube for vaporizing fluid passing through the Valve venting said shell through said coupling and connecting said shell and coupling, said vaporizer tube being disposed throughout-its length coaxially with both said shell and coupling.

6. In combination with a radiator having an aperture therein, a valve carrying unit insertable through said aperture into a radiator space and having a temperature responsive expansible fluid operated valve controlling float subjected to the internal temperature of the radiator, and means for mounting said unit in said aperture carried by said unit and comprising a tube and cooperating relatively movable connecting and releasing elements for said tube operable from the exterior of said aperture.

7. In a concealed type valve for radiators or the like, a float controlled valve, a oat support carrying a valve seat, a coupling for mounting in a radiator aperture While said float is in a radiator space and' a vaporizer tube for vaporizing fluid passing through the Valve connecting said support and coupling and venting the valve through said coupling, said tube being detachably connected to the coupling and said coupling having a communicating vent of smaller diameter thank the internal diameter of said tube.

8. In a concealed type valve for radiators or the like, a oat controlled valve, a oat support carrying a valve seat, a coupling for mounting in an aperture While said float support is in a radiator space, and a Vaporizer tube venting said valve through said coupling and connecting the support and coupling and having an adjustable swivel connection to said coupling.

9. A vent valve for radiators comprising a threaded attaching plug having a vent, a thermostatic vent valve structure including a housing and a Valve seat carried by said housing adjacent one end of saidV housing and a passage leading from said seat, and means for separably connecting said last named end of the housing to the plug with the valve seat in communication with the plug vent, said vent valve being operative With said plug at an elevation above that of said valve seat and said plug vent being constituted by a passage having one end in communication with said first named passage.

10. A vent valve comprising a thermostatic vent valve structure including a housing having an upper vent, a vaporizing structure located above said housing in communication with said Vent and adapted to carry condensed uid down- Wardly to said vent, and means for securing said vaporizing structure to an element to be vented.

JAMES D. HANNA. 

